madjesty | INBOX

[ Hmm. That is probably as straightforward an answer and he's going to get from her, but he does think it's honest. Much goes unsaid, but it's right there, in between the lines. ]

For what it is worth, I do regret it. It is a lesson I have carried with me ever since.

[ A lesson, and a reminder to always reach for her, even if she will not reach back. A risk worth taking.

The second half of her message gives him pause, though, a smile that is both happy to know she didn't want to forget, and sympathetic for his own reasons. ]

I understand your sentiment. To this day, I myself fear I will eventually forget the faces of those who are gone, but my friends made me realize that is simply the way of things. Sometimes people just... forget.

[ It's true that some of his actions make more sense to her when framed by what she knows now, but she has such doubt that they can ever truly understand each other that when they do have similar feelings it takes her by surprise.

Except, perhaps, similar feelings born of loss. Yes, he understands the desire not to forget dear faces he can't see any more. The last memories you have of beloved faces shouldn't be so cruel. ]

Time has a way of eroding memories, it's true, and there is little we can do about its passage. I suppose I can accept that much gracefully.

[ But she is young and doesn't think of herself as a particularly forgetful person. She can pinpoint the likely catalyst for muddled memories, a mental stress and strain to match the physical stress and strain of her captivity, and even though she knows well that nothing about it was her own fault the fragility of her childhood memories still sometimes feels like a personal failure.

She idles with her hands poised to say more, and it takes her a minute but she gets there. ]

I appreciate your thoughts. It wasn't my intention to steer us a bit off course.

[ Hmm. So she says, but from what he recalls of their childhood together and what he has learned in their time of reacquaintance, Edelgard is not the type to simply accept what can still be fought against.

Selfishly, he wonders how much of that fierce resolution of hers was born of their oath from long ago. ]

Think nothing of it. To be frank, I am happy you shared as much with me.

[ He hesitates to add more, but only for a second. ]

And if it is of any consolation, I do not begrudge you. For having forgotten.

[ In case she didn't understand the full extent of his previous message. ]

[ In the darkness, she smiles despite herself. ]

I doubt you would be so accommodating of messages at this late hour if you did.

[ But it is nice to read. ]

Are you busy tomorrow?

[ Oh, he's accommodating of a lot more, to be fair. But her response does make him smile, too. ]

Not particularly, no. Should I start practicing staying still?

Immediately. If you successfully stay still long enough you may even fall asleep.

Would you be more comfortable doing this there?

[ Ordering him to sleep now? That's a new level of bossy. ]

I'm not sure it would make a difference to me. You may choose the place and time.

Regardless, I hardly think I will be able to fall asleep anytime soon now. This is quite the mission you are tasking me with.

Then I will borrow you mid-afternoon. I would prefer to have you sit where you feel most natural so perhaps I should go to you.

[ Let the record show that other than her unwillingness to share her work she tried to allow him to tailor the experience to his comfort. Now he just has to live with her decisions. ]

This wasn't supposed to make you lose more sleep, Dimitri.

[ But that does not mean she won't tease him a little. ]

You can back out if you don't think yourself up for the challenge.

Very well. I will be waiting for you.

[ And he'll live with her decisions this time. It's not a free-for-all pass, Edelgard! ]

I can assure you I will not back down from my decision, either. Although you seem to misunderstand my reasons for losing sleep over this.

[ It's good anxiety. Excitement, really. ]

Oh?

Then what are your reasons?

Curious, eh? Perhaps I will tell you if, and only if, I do not fall asleep again.

[ Two can play the teasing game. ]

You invite me to keep you awake longer?

[ She meant to take advantage of the possibility of them both having trouble sleeping, not to cause more trouble sleeping. But if this is how he intends to be...! ]

I was thinking I would take a short walk before I try to sleep again. It sounds as though you may need to join me.

Why, it sounds as though you are the one inviting me, as a matter of fact.

[ Or summoning him? Honestly, he can never be too sure when it comes to Edelgard. ]

I would welcome a short walk, however. I imagine the weather has warmed up enough for you by now?

[ It's apparently something like springtime now, but he remembers how even spring nights in Fhirdiad would be too chilly for Edelgard as a child. ]

It does sound that way, doesn't it.

I will have a cardigan in case the night still holds a chill, but I expect it to be pleasant enough.

[ His mild concern is cute, though. ]

Fortunately by now you are an expert at keeping people [ Her. ] warm so I think I have nothing to worry about.

[ Though she can't see it, that earns a huff of laughter from him, anyway. ]

Ah, I see. So you invite me as a precautionary measure. I should have known you would have ulterior motives.

[ It's a tricky job, to convey tone through words alone, but he should hope she realizes he only means this in jest. ]

Just keep in mind that, as man from Faerghus, I might resort to methods you may deem unorthodox.

[ Some of which she might recall from their time snowed-in together. (Or: maybe he has ulterior motives of his own.) ]

[ Oh, now they really are teasing, aren't they? She lets out a small laugh. ]

I am merely aware of the potential benefits of your company.

[ Especially on a cool night. ]

Have you been to the botanical garden? We can meet there and then discuss these unorthodox methods of yours.

Hmm. That does sound mightily convenient to you.

[ They are most definitely teasing now! Who would have thought... ]

I have never visited the botanical garden, myself, but I do know of its location. Shall we meet there in half an hour?

I think you would find my body heat just as convenient if you were in need.

[ Maybe it would not be as large and encompassing as his own, but still! ]

I'll see you there, Dimitri.

Well, I suppose even a man from Faerghus is not immune to the cold.

[ Considerably more resistant to it than Edelgard, though he's not going to point that out. ]

I will see you soon, El.

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